1.Multicenter machine learning-based construction of a model for predicting potential organ donors and validation with decision curve analysis
Xu WANG ; Wenxiu LI ; Fenghua WANG ; Shuli WU ; Dong JIA ; Xin GE ; Zhihua SHAN ; Tongzuo LI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):106-115
Objective To evaluate the predictive value of different machine learning models constructed in a multicenter environment for potential organ donors and verify their clinical application feasibility. Methods The study included 2 000 inpatients admitted to five domestic tertiary hospitals from January 2020 to December 2023, who met the criteria for potential organ donation assessment. They were randomly divided into a training set and an internal validation set (7∶3). Another 300 similar patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from January 2024 to April 2025 were included as an external validation set. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and F1-score of three models were compared, and the consistency of the potential organ donor determination process was tested. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictive factors of potential organ donors. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was employed to verify the resource efficiency of each model, and the threshold interval and intervention balance point were assessed. Results Apart from age, there were no significant differences in other basic characteristics among the centers (all P>0.05). The consistency of the potential organ donor determination process among researchers in each center was good [all 95% confidence interval (CI) lower limits >0]. In the internal validation set, the XGBoost model had the best predictive performance (AUC=0.92, 95% CI 0.89-0.94) and the best calibration (P=0.441, Brier score 0.099). In the external validation set, the XGBoost model also had the best predictive performance (AUC=0.91, 95% CI 0.88-0.94), outperforming logistic regression and random forest models. Multivariate logistic regression showed that mechanical ventilation had the greatest impact (odds ratio=2.06, 95% CI 1.54-2.76, P<0.001). DCA indicated that the XGBoost model had the highest net benefit in the threshold interval of 0.2-0.6. The “treat all” strategy only had a slight advantage at extremely low thresholds. The recommended threshold interval, which balances intervention costs and clinical benefits, considers ≥50% positive predictive value (PPV) and ≤50 referrals per 100 high-risk patients. Conclusions The XGBoost model established in a multicenter environment is accurate and well-calibrated in predicting potential organ donors. Combined with DCA, it may effectively guide the timing of clinical interventions and resource allocation, providing new ideas for the assessment and management of organ donation after brain death.
2.Treatment Principles and Paradigm of Diabetic Microvascular Complications Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Anzhu WANG ; Xing HANG ; Lili ZHANG ; Xiaorong ZHU ; Dantao PENG ; Ying FAN ; Min ZHANG ; Wenliang LYU ; Guoliang ZHANG ; Xiai WU ; Jia MI ; Jiaxing TIAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Han WANG ; Yuan XU ; .LI PINGPING ; Zhenyu WANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Dongmei SUN ; Yi HE ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Linhua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):272-279
To explore the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and integrative TCM-Western medicine approaches in the treatment of diabetic microvascular complications (DMC), refine key pathophysiological insights and treatment principles, and promote academic innovation and strategic research planning in the prevention and treatment of DMC. The 38th session of the Expert Salon on Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine, hosted by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, was held in Beijing, 2024. Experts in TCM, Western medicine, and interdisciplinary fields convened to conduct a systematic discussion on the pathogenesis, diagnostic and treatment challenges, and mechanism research related to DMC, ultimately forming a consensus on key directions. Four major research recommendations were proposed. The first is addressing clinical bottlenecks in the prevention and control of DMC by optimizing TCM-based evidence evaluation systems. The second is refining TCM core pathogenesis across DMC stages and establishing corresponding "disease-pattern-time" framework. The third is innovating mechanism research strategies to facilitate a shift from holistic regulation to targeted intervention in TCM. The fourth is advancing interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the role of TCM in new drug development, research prioritization, and guideline formulation. TCM and integrative approaches offer distinct advantages in managing DMC. With a focus on the diseases responding specifically to TCM, strengthening evidence-based support and mechanism interpretation and promoting the integration of clinical care and research innovation will provide strong momentum for the modernization of TCM and the advancement of national health strategies.
3.Integrated molecular characterization of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma
Rong-Qi SUN ; Yu-Hang YE ; Ye XU ; Bo WANG ; Si-Yuan PAN ; Ning LI ; Long CHEN ; Jing-Yue PAN ; Zhi-Qiang HU ; Jia FAN ; Zheng-Jun ZHOU ; Jian ZHOU ; Cheng-Li SONG ; Shao-Lai ZHOU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):426-444
Background:
s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated.
Methods:
In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs.
Results:
Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment.
Conclusions
We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.
4.Identification of telomere-related diagnostic markers in osteoarthritis based on bioinformatics analysis and machine learning
Sheng XU ; Jia YE ; Xiaochong CAI
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(3):359-372
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent joint disorders, with aging considered a primary, irreversible factor contributing to its progression. Telomere-related cellular senescence may be a crucial factor influencing the OA process, yet biomarkers for OA based on telomere-related genes have not been clearly identified. The datasets GSE51588, GSE12021, and GSE55457 were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Initially, R software was utilized to identify differentially expressed genes between OA and normal samples. Subsequently, differentially expressed telomere-related genes (DETMRGs) were obtained, and their functional enrichment was analyzed. Feature genes for OA diagnosis were selected from DETMRGs using a combination of least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, support vector machine-recursive feature elimination, and Random Forest algorithms. The diagnostic value of these feature genes was then validated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and decision curve analysis. Additionally, CIBERSORT and xCell were employed to assess the infiltration of immune cells in OA tissues.Finally, potential drugs targeting candidate genes were predicted. Three telomererelated genes, PGD, SLC7A5, and TKT, have been identified as biomarkers for OA diagnosis and were confirmed through ROC diagnostic tests. The immune infiltration of mast cells, neutrophils, common lymphoid precursors, and eosinophils associated with PGD, SLC7A5, and TKT was reduced. Recognizing telomere-related genes PGD, SLC7A5, and TKT as potential diagnostic biomarkers for OA is significant, as it offers valuable insights into the role of telomere-related genes in OA. This discovery also provides valuable information for the diagnosis and treatment of OA.
5.Progress on antisense oligonucleotide in the field of antibacterial therapy
Jia LI ; Xiao-lu HAN ; Shi-yu SONG ; Jin-tao LIN ; Zhi-qiang TANG ; Zeng-ming WANG ; Liang XU ; Ai-ping ZHENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):337-347
With the widespread use of antibiotics, drug-resistant bacterial infections have become a significant threat to human health. Finding new antibacterial strategies that can effectively control drug-resistant bacterial infections has become an urgent task. Unlike small molecule drugs that target bacterial proteins, antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) can target genes related to bacterial resistance, pathogenesis, growth, reproduction and biofilm formation. By regulating the expression of these genes, ASO can inhibit or kill bacteria, providing a novel approach for the development of antibacterial drugs. To overcome the challenge of delivering antisense oligonucleotide into bacterial cells, various drug delivery systems have been applied in this field, including cell-penetrating peptides, lipid nanoparticles and inorganic nanoparticles, which have injected new momentum into the development of antisense oligonucleotide in the antibacterial realm. This review summarizes the current development of small nucleic acid drugs, the antibacterial mechanisms, targets, sequences and delivery vectors of antisense oligonucleotide, providing a reference for the research and development of antisense oligonucleotide in the treatment of bacterial infections.
6.Role of VEGF Signaling Pathway in Pathological Mechanism of Colorectal Cancer and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Qiuning LIU ; Yutian ZHU ; Yun XU ; Yang YE ; Xiaoqiang JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):289-296
Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor that originates from the epithelial cells of the colon and rectum. It has the third highest incidence and the second highest mortality rate among malignant tumors worldwide. With the rapid development of the economy and the increasing Westernization of dietary habits in China, its incidence in China has been rising year by year. Over the past decade, despite the introduction of numerous treatment methods for colorectal cancer, the efficacy of existing therapies remains unsatisfactory. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has become a major focus in the treatment of colorectal cancer due to its advantages of multi-target, multi-pathway mechanisms and low toxicity and side effects. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important angiogenic factor that promotes blood vessel formation, providing nutrients and oxygen for tumor growth. It also increases vascular permeability, allowing tumor cells to easily pass through the blood vessel wall into other tissues, thereby facilitating metastasis. Several studies have shown that TCM can inhibit tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, promote tumor cell apoptosis, and inhibit the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells by acting on the VEGF signaling pathway, thereby delaying tumor growth. In recent years, research in this field has been rapidly updated, but there is a lack of relevant summaries, making subsequent literature searches inconvenient. Therefore, this article focuses on the physiological functions of the VEGF signaling pathway, its role in the occurrence of colorectal cancer, and the intervention of TCM on VEGF, providing a supplement and summary of relevant information to offer a reference for future research in this area.
7.Gene frequencies and polymorphism of the MNS blood group system in the Han population of voluntary blood donors in Suzhou
Zihao XU ; Xiaoyan FU ; Zhen LIU ; Jia JIANG ; Yiming JIN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(3):397-401
[Objective] To investigate the antigen and gene frequency distribution of the MNS blood group system in the Han population of voluntary blood donors in Suzhou, and to explore the polymorphism of rare MNS blood group genes, in order to improve the construction of the local rare blood group database. [Methods] A total of 8 034 whole blood samples were randomly collected from Han blood donors at our station from October 2023 to June 2024. The MNS blood group phenotypes were identified using serological methods. Gene frequencies were analyzed and compared with those of ethnic populations in other regions. Rare MNS phenotype samples were subjected to gene sequencing. [Results] The distribution of MNS blood group system phenotypes within the population was as follows: the MM, NN, and MN phenotypes accounted for 23.00%, 27.12%, and 49.88% respectively; the SS, ss, and Ss phenotypes accounted for 0.30%, 90.99%, and 8.70% respectively. The gene frequencies of M, N, S, and s were 0.4794, 0.5206, 0.0465, and 0.9534 respectively. Chi-squared tests confirmed adherence to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium with P-values of 0.997 and 0.349, showing statistical significance compared to some other regional ethnic populations (P<0.05). Additionally, one rare serological phenotype, S-s-, with a frequency of 0.01%, was identified. [Conclusion] The MNS blood group system in the Han population of voluntary blood donors in Suzhou exhibits polymorphism and regional distribution characteristics. Gene frequencies differ from those observed in other regions of China. It is essential to enhance the establishment of a rare blood type database in Suzhou to provide data support for precise clinical transfusion.
8.Changes in the body shape and ergonomic compatibility for functional dimensions of desks and chairs for students in Harbin during 2010-2024
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):315-320
Objective:
To analyze the change trends in the body shape indicators and proportions of students in Harbin from 2010 to 2024, and to investigate ergonomic compatibility of functional dimensions of school desks and chairs with current student shape indicators, so as to provide a reference for revising furniture standards of desks and chairs.
Methods:
Between September and November of both 2010 and 2024, a combination of convenience sampling and stratified cluster random sampling was conducted across three districts in Harbin, yielding samples of 6 590 and 6 252 students, respectively. Anthropometric shape indicators cluding height, sitting height, crus length, and thigh length-and their proportional changes were compared over the 15-year period. The 2024 data were compared with current standard functional dimensions of school furniture. The statistical analysis incorporated t-test and Mann-Whitney U- test.
Results:
From 2010 to 2024, average height increased by 1.8 cm for boys and 1.5 cm for girls; sitting height increased by 1.5 cm for both genders; crus length increased by 0.3 cm for boys and 0.4 cm for girls; and thigh length increased by 0.5 cm for both genders. The ratios of sitting height to height, and sitting height to leg length increased by less than 0.1 . The difference between desk chair height and 1/3 sitting height ranged from 0.4-0.8 cm. Among students matched with size 0 desks and chairs, 22.0% had a desk to chair height difference less than 0, indicating that the desk to chair height difference might be insufficient for taller students. The differences between seat height and fibular height ranged from -1.4 to 1.1 cm; and the differences between seat depth and buttock popliteal length ranged from -9.8 to 3.4 cm. Among obese students, the differences between seat width and 1/2 hip circumference ranged from -20.5 to -8.7 cm, while it ranged from -12.2 to -3.8 cm among non obese students.
Conclusion
Current furniture standards basically satisfy hygienic requirements; however, in the case of exceptionally tall and obese students, ergonomic accommodations such as adaptive seating allocation or personalized adjustments are recommended to meet hygienic requirements.
9.Exploration of the realization path of living will under the current legal system in China
Keyi XU ; Jingqi JIA ; Xin HU ; Yinxiao LU ; Ruishuang LIU
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(4):500-511
Under the current legal framework, living will, as an important legal tool for safeguarding patients’ autonomy and dignity, have been widely recognized and implemented in many countries and regions. In China, the promotion of living will also has a solid legal foundation, with their legitimacy reflected in several provisions of the Civil Code of the People’s Republic of China. One of the highlights of the Medical Regulations of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (revised in 2022) is the clarification of the legal effect of living will. To ensure that patients’ living will can be accurately implemented at critical moments, the rights and obligations of patients, family members, and healthcare professionals should be clearly defined within the legal framework, and clear guidance should be provided at every stage of implementation.
10.Pathogenesis and Syndrome Differentiation Treatment of Heart Failure Based on "Spleen-mitochondria" and Theory of "Dampness, Turbidity, Phlegm, and Fluid-related Diseases"
Rui ZHANG ; Fuyun JIA ; Jingshun YAN ; Xuan LIU ; Yadong WANG ; Yinan MA ; Yan LIU ; Qiang XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):265-274
Guided by Academician Zhang Boli's theory of "dampness, turbidity, phlegm, and fluid-related diseases",this paper elaborated on the pathogenesis and syndrome differentiation treatment of heart failure from the perspective of the "spleen-mitochondria". It analyzed the essential similarities between "spleen-mitochondria" and "dampness, turbidity, phlegm, and fluid-related diseases", as well as their close association with the onset of heart failure. Furthermore,it explored the connection between spleen function and mitochondrial function in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM),positing that the spleen's role in transportation and transformation is analogous to mitochondrial material metabolism and energy conversion,with spleen deficiency closely related to mitochondrial dysfunction. It thus concluded that mitochondrial material metabolism and energy conversion represent the microscopic essence of the spleen's role in transportation and transformation,and mitochondrial dysfunction is a contributing factor to pathological products like dampness and turbid phlegm,which are closely associated with the occurrence of heart failure. The four elements of dampness,turbidity,phlegm,and fluid are a series of related symptoms resulting from abnormal fluid transportation and transformation,serving as both factors in the onset of heart failure and the core pathological basis for its deterioration. Therefore,during the treatment of heart failure,it is essential to regulate mitochondrial function. Early intervention should focus on eliminating dampness and turbidity to improve mitochondrial function and restore normal energy metabolism. In the middle and late stages,emphasis should be placed on resolving phlegm,promoting blood circulation,warming Yang,and reducing water retention to alleviate mitochondrial damage and improve cardiac function. Supporting Qi and strengthening the spleen should be a continuous approach,and treatment should be adjusted to enhance mitochondrial function and stabilize the condition,thereby improving prognosis. This paper discussed the role of the spleen and mitochondria in the pathogenesis of heart failure,examined the evolution of heart failure mechanisms from the perspective of dampness, turbidity, phlegm, and fluid-related diseases,and proposed a phased treatment strategy. It enriched the theory of dampness, turbidity, phlegm, and fluid-related diseases and offered new strategies for heart failure treatment. However,in practical application,TCM strategies for treating heart failure need to be integrated with modern medical approaches to provide a more solid scientific foundation for treatment.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail